I’ve read that it’s so dry in Texas that the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling, the Methodists are using wet-wipes, the Presbyterians are giving out rain-checks and the Catholics are praying for the wine to turn back into water.
So often, life is about compromises and lately, as I sit in my sewing room, my sewing has been all about that.
As mentioned in the previous post, my first grandchild, Laurel, just celebrated her 7th birthday. I made a black and hot pink cake that was “out of my comfort zone.” Rightly so, I denied my personal preference for pastels and flowers in deference to the birthday girl’s choice. Because I wanted to make her cake I compromised–and revelled in her delight when I delivered it. 
Easing back into my comfort zone, I made these pajamas for the slumber party portion of the festivities. The basic pattern is from Martha Pullen’s Sleepwear Especially for You.
While teaching in Huntsville at Martha Pullen’s School of Art Fashion, I had admired several pairs of quick and easy pajamas made from this pattern by my friend Betty Ludwig for her niece. Since seeing these, I have always wanted to make up a pair. Even after this long wait, the project was not quite to my liking—because of the compromises I had to make.
ick
In an effort to maintain my commitment to “modern projects for old fashioned Nanas,” I chose to use an easy care trim. Few young mothers will take time to iron sleepwear. Even few old fashioned Nanas would iron sleepwear! So I was comfortable with my choice but not as comfortable working with less luxurious materials than usual.
Certainly, better quality domestic trims are available, but this was in my stash and it worked. An inordinate amount of time was spent trimming little eyelashes from the cut outs in the design before I gave it up as an endless effort. The trim is relatively stiff, especially when compared to fine 100% cotton Swiss embroideries. But it looks fresh and feminine, appropriate for a 7 year. So that Laurel would have pretty every day(or night) pj’s, I traded my high standards of quality for practicality. I compromised.
Tinkerbell design on Laurel's pj's
The Tinkerbell embroidery design was chosen because I knew the girls would be watching a movie about this little sprite as they bedded down in front of the tv. Both designs are from the Disney Tinkerbell card. I did use a Swiss beading for the lime green ribbon on either side of Tink, but that small amount should not need the touch of an iron.
A matching set of pajamas was made for Laurel’s American Girls doll Molly. I purchased this Kit doll for her birthday, but will give it to her at the family party next week. Lucky for me Laurel doesn’t read my blog!
For a pattern, I used the bodice from my pattern for the lace tape doll dress, eliminating the sleeves. The bodice is lined, just like the doll dress. For the pants, I simply lengthened the bloomer pattern that goes with the dress
Tinkerbell design on doll pj's
I had fun embroidering the tiny little Tinkerbell. The design is actually monotone, as if it were an image of Tinkerbell’s shadow. But by stitching slowly, it is clear where one section stops and another begins. So I just added color where I wanted it.
ick again
The easy care domestic edging for the doll also was pulled from my stash. It’s not Swiss quality but it worked. I choked, but I used it. Another compromise. Just as I was pondering all these matters, my Aunt Rheeta shared the little blurb about Texas at the top of this post. Its timeliness reaffirmed the obvious–that we all make must compromises periodically.
Whew! I’m tired of compromises! My next project will be made with all the good stuff!
You did not compromise on the love stitched into these precious PJs, and that is the more important thing!
I, too, prefer to use the more luxurious fabrics and trims. I understand perfectly!
Thanks for that reminder, Jan. For my grandchildren, I would sew on vinyl…..but yukkkkk!
But if the grandbaby’s momma doesn’t iron, what else can you do? I’m facing the same issue. I love the wonderful batistes, linens and silks, but my darling daughter doesn’t iron. So if I want my granddaughter to wear nice things, I have to make them out of easy care fabrics. Oh well. The pj’s look lovely.
I sometimes wonder if the mamas really don’t like to iron or if they just don’t have time. But it doesn’t really matter–things don’t get ironed. When I chatted with a friend the other day, she bemoaned the fact that her daughter-in-law loves the natural fiber fabric garments she makes for her granddaughter but the dresses are worn without being ironed. Sigh.
Years ago when my daughter was about 10, Margaret Boyles used to tell me that she did her granddaughters’ heirloom laundry. Weekly, the freshly washed and pressed dresses were delivered to her daughter. I was puzzled, as I loved ironing Rebecca’s fine fabric dresses. Now, I understand as I iron Laurel’s dresses.
As I plan outfits for my three grandchildren, I’m evaluating patterns with a new eye, envisioning them in easy care fabrics, trimmed with contrasting fabric instead of lace, edged with feather stitch instead of pinstitch. It’s kind of like cooking with margerine instead of butter. You said it perfectly—oh well.
Janice, I agree with everyone, we do have to compromise and use easy care fabrics because no one likes to iron anymore . One pair of serger heirloom PJ’s I made are in my Grandma’s Hope Chest for future grandchildren so no ironing for me yet. Did you use the serger on Laurel’s PJ’s?
Yes, Betty, I did use the serger, but only to finish the seams. I had trouble on the curve, sewing front to front and back to back, but have since been instructed to hold the fabric straight. I was trying to work it around the curve. The next pair will be better. I would never have bought this serger or tried to make these pj’s without your encouragement. I’m grateful for Connections! And you, Betty.